Known by others as "Bud, Sarge, or Charlie" A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend was taken from us all too soon!
Charles Ernest Rymer was born on Aug. 24, 1928 in Catlettsburg, K.Y. to Charles and Florence Rymer. In October of 1946, Charles enlisted in the Army. That was the beginning of his 22.5 year military career in which he saw combat in Korea as well as Vietnam. He earned an honorable discharge in 1969, and settled in Laurel with his wife and three children. Charles was employed by the Cenex refinery in Laurel where he worked for 18 years before retiring at the age of 60. He continued his service with the military as part of the honor guard for Montana where he proudly gave many their last honors as they were buried.
He was an active member of the Masonic lodge in Laurel from the time of his initiation in October of '69 until the present. He honorably served as master of the lodge twice. He was also active in the American Legion, VFW, and Eagles and for a time, the Moose lodge. He was an active member in his community and known by all. You couldn't help but love him. He always greeted you with big open arms and a smile a mile wide. He had a bigger than life presence wherever he was.
One of his greatest joys in life was his two grandchildren: Ashley and Jordan Conner.
His house abounds with pictures of them and given the chance to extol their virtues, he went nonstop. The birth of his great-grandchild, Kaylee, was indeed looked on as a blessing and double joy.
On Saturday, after a short, sudden illness, he was called home. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Hilda Rymer; their three children; Allen Rymer, Clifford Rymer, and Sue (Ron) Tinnin; two grandchildren; Ashley (Nathan) Henry and Jordan Conner; and a great-grandchild, Kaylee Henry, not to mention numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, nephew, and niece.
Charles was loved by many and will be missed by all. He has left a lasting impression on all who knew him and he will never be forgotten!
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, at Smith's Funeral Chapel in Laurel.
Reception following the graveside service at The Eagle's Club.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Shrine Transportation Fund.
This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.
Dear Hilda
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. He will be missed by many we are sure. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family
John W. & Dorothy Sitzman
May 08, 2008 | Park City, MT
God bless. I lived next to bud in laurel with my parents and never got anything but love from the whole famliy. My deepest regards David Wagner
David Wagner
April 30, 2008 | Phoenix, AZ
Dear Hilda,
My deepest sympathy in your loss of Buddy. I am Clarence & Ida Bartley's daughter. They were good friends with Charlie & Florence. I also want to thank you for attending my mom's funeral in January 2000. I will be sending a memorial gift to the Shrine Transportation Fund.
Billie Goodenbour
April 28, 2008 | Deptford, NJ
Charlie was a wonderful addition to our lives. We will miss him greatly.
He will be missed by those of us he worked with at UHAUL as well.
David & Nikki Hilbert
April 28, 2008 | Laurel, MT
I knew "Sarge" well when I lived in Laurel. I was with the Montana Highway Patrol at the time. My heart goes out to all the family.
Robert Kettenring
April 28, 2008 | Vancouver, WA
We loved Charlie. He was the greatest neighbor anybody could ask for.
Mark and Kari Kaufman
Mark and Kari Kaufman
April 28, 2008 | Laurel, MT
